Genta starts trial for anticancer drug Genasense Injection

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 24 - Genta Inc. said the first patient has been entered into a new clinical study to evaluate the bioactivity and safety of the company's lead anticancer drug, Genasense (oblimersen sodium) Injection.

Genasense inhibits production of Bcl-2, a protein made by cancer cells that is thought to block chemotherapy-induced cell death, the company said.

The study uses a new, more concentrated formulation of Genasense than material currently used in clinical trials. The new development program will evaluate a range of single doses, followed by repeated dosing schedules, in order to optimize use for future studies.

Genasense will be administered by intermittent subcutaneous injection. In recent phase 3 studies of Genasense combined with chemotherapy, the drug was administered by continuous intravenous infusion.

"If successful, intermittent subcutaneous injections may prove highly desirable for a new generation of clinical studies," commented Raymond P. Warrell Jr., Genta chairman and chief executive officer, in the release.

"Genasense has demonstrated synergy with various treatments, such as Tarceva (erlotinib), interferon and radiation, all of which require multi-day schedules. The new method may substantially increase patient convenience and expand the utility of Genasense, particularly in front-line and adjuvant settings."

Genta, based in Berkeley Heights, N.J., is a biopharmaceutical company focused on products for the treatment of patients with cancer.

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